asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they plan to introduce statutory regulations regarding the security and safe-keeping of shotguns; by whom the regulations will be enforced; and how enforcement will be paid for.

We have received representations from various sources calling for the introduction of regulations to require holders of shotgun certificates to keep their guns safely. These representations are under consideration.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will provide support and assistance to the organisations concerned with shooting to promote a voluntary code of practice recommended by the police for the security and safe-keeping of shotguns.

In 1981 the British Shooting Sports Council, with the co-operation of the Home Office, drew up a voluntary code of practice for the safe custody of privately-held firearms, including shotguns. This code continues to have the Government's full support.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will establish a police inquiry into the circumstances of the recent confrontation between the police and people who wished to participate in a festival at Stonehenge.

I would refer the noble Lord to the reply given to a Question from the noble Lord, Lord Hylton, on 21st June at col. 540.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will support the invitation of M. Jack Lang, the French Minister of Culture, to musicians and music lovers throughout Europe to celebrate 21st June as a

The European Music Year (United Kingdom) Committee decided to celebrate the European Day of Music on Saturday, 22nd June, and through the arts councils and the regional arts associations encouraged local authorities to give every facility for local events on that day.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will require the applicant for a public path extinguishment order for part of the width of Sproughton footpath 11 in Suffolk to remove the 6-ft. high chain link fence which has illegally obstructed the footpath since 1981 before they prepare and publish a draft order.

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State has no power to require the applicant to remove the chain link fence which is apparently obstructing footpath No. 11 Sproughton. It is the local highway authority, or the district council acting on their behalf, who must consider what steps to take in respect of any obstruction in their protection of the rights of users of public rights of way.

On the information before him my right honourable friend the Secretary of State has decided that the proposed extinguishment order merits further consideration and proposes, in the near future, to publish a notice of the draft order to stop up part of the width of the footpath. This will enable any objections to be considered if necessary at a local inquiry. In accordance with subsection (6) of Section 118 of the Highways Act 1980 consideration of the case is not influenced by any temporary circumstances preventing or diminishing the use of the path.